Is Xanax Bad For You?
Also Known As: alprazolam, bars, ladders, school busses
Short answer
Xanax works quickly and can provide almost immediate relief. However, because of its habit-forming properties and risks associated therewith, it can have disastrous consequences. If you choose to take xanax, do not exceed your doctor's recommended dosage.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Xanax is a member of the benzodiazepine class of drugs. Benzodiazepines work by acting upon the central nervous system (CNS) and more specifically on a chemical known as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is responsible for opening up the channel that allows chloride ions to penetrate receptors on brain cells to slow down their activity. This slowed down activity leads to a feeling of calm.
Xanax, in particular, has a very short half-life, which means it takes effect quickly – but also that it wears off quickly. It normally works 15-20 minutes after being ingested and lasts around six hours. Due to the speed in which it works and the relatively low amount of time it stays working, Xanax can be very addictive and prone to misuse.
It is important to know that just 0.5 mg of Xanax is equivalent to 10 mg of Valium. People taking Xanax and even some doctors are unaware of just how strong and habit-forming the drug can be. When a person takes Xanax, the amount of naturally produced GABA is decreased, leading to an increased dependency on the drug. Very often, when a patient no longer feels the effects of Xanax, he/she will move to a higher prescription (or just take extra without the prescription). As with all drugs that replace a natural function of the body, this dependence can become extremely dangerous.
At least equally or perhaps even more dangerous is withdrawal from Xanax. Withdrawal can cause side-effects ranging from headaches, increased anxiety, and dizziness to more serious concerns such as nightmares, severe panic attacks, and – in rare cases – seizures and death. It is very important that a person addicted to Xanax does not go “cold-turkey,” but rather tapers off by following a program implemented by a trained physician.
Possible short-term side effects
- drowsiness
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low energy
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confusion
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dizziness
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fatigue
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impaired coordination
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memory problems
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death (from overdose)
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addiction
Possible long-term side effects
- flu-like symptoms
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decreased cognitive function
Possible withdrawal symptoms
- insomnia
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tremors
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nausea
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vomiting
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brain fog
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extreme anxiety
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depression
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suicidal thoughts
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seizures (rare)
Benefits
- convenient
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fast acting
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anxiety relief
Healthier alternatives
- natural benzodiazepines
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therapy
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aerobic activity
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kava
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Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Desmond Richard
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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